Messi reveals which players he's least looking forward to playing against at the World Cup [GETTY]

With the Ballon d'Or approaching, Messi - one of the favourites to lift the trophy, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo - has revealed which players he regards highly and singled out van Persie as a 'complete player'.

The 26-year-old also lauded Dutchman Robben and Ozil of Germany, as the world's best prepare for the World Cup in Brazil next summer.

Argentina will be looking to make up for their 4-0 defeat to the Germans in 2010 in hope of lifting the trophy for the first time since 1986, and Messi confesses which players he will find particularly challenging to come up against.

"Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben are two great players," Messi said.

"Ozil is for me Germany's best player, he is first class, very creative.

Robin van Persie has scored 10 goals in 14 appearances for United this season [GETTY]

van Persie is a total footballer, a very complete forward and capable of scoring lots of goals.

Lionel Messi

"van Persie is a total footballer, a very complete forward and capable of scoring lots of goals.

"Robben also has class, but is more predictable. He can dribble the ball at speed and leave many players behind."

The Argentina skipper also claimed that he is happy his La Liga rival Ronaldo would be at next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil with Portugal.

"Of course I am happy that Cristiano is going to the World Cup," Messi added.

"The best teams should be there, because if you want to be the best you must beat every country. I believe it is good for the World Cup for Cristiano to go, he is a great player.

"Now everyone is talking about how well he is playing, but he has been playing like that for many years, for his club and country."